This place is a solid four stars, almost five. The only odd thing we found was the service, as it seems a little slow. To start, we ordered the queso blanco, which came with homemade tortilla chips. This was VERY tasty! The cheese was a little thinner than I've had, but I really liked it. The chips were very good too..thicker than you normally get. My husband and I were saying they'd be perfect for guacamole too. For our meals, my husband ordered the enchiladas and I got the three soft tacos dinner. Both of our meals were delicious and very authentic tex mex. If you aren't used to tex mex's love affair with chiles, I can see why the enchiladas wouldn't be up your alley. They come with a homemade enchilada sauce that is more bitter than the "usual Old El Paso" stuff but compliments the enchiladas perfectly! My tacos were fantastic too. We will definitely be going back..especially to enjoy their patio!
(4)
Bill B.
This Mexican restaurant, located behind a gas station, is among the best in Lawrence. Its hand-made chips and green salsa are particularly well known in Lawrence. They are not free, but are well worth the price. They have three fish taco styles, one using Mahi Mahi and the other two using Tilapia. So far I've tried only the ones using Mahi Mahi, as recommended by the waiter. Unfortunately they do not have black beans or whole pinto beans. Another reviewer below mentioned black beans, but be aware that they only are available occasionally as a daily special. They usually have only refried beans, which are never a healthy choice. But they'll substitute guacamole salad instead of the refried beans, if you request, and the guacamole salad is excellent. They have only two wines: chardonnay and merlot, but they are both fine and at a very reasonable price. The choice of beers is better. The booths are made of wood and have no cushions, but the other chairs are padded and more comfortable. I'd raise my rating to five stars, if they were to make black beans or whole pinto beans available daily.
(4)
Ryan A.
Seriously, this place is a gem. This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the world. Go, you won't regret it.
(5)
Jamie J.
Fairly good Mexican food.
(4)
Taylor S.
Great tortilla soup and service!
(5)
John D.
We were visiting my mother-in-law in Lawrence and we took her here, thinking it would be a nice outing. We love mexican food and I spent many years in SF's Mission eating at the taquerias. Well, the here food was excellent. The chips were fried fresh and and the salsas were fresh and tasty - the red had an authentic bitterness and the green was spicy. My wife had the guacamole and she loved it but I found the raw onions in it a bit much. The chiliquiles (w.o. egg) were the highlight for me. The downside is that the decor was low budget with the big girlie poster and long parlor tables but for the price, it was OK. I would repeat.
(4)
Michael T.
This place has excellent food, though it is pretty on par with the other Mexican restaurants in Lawrence. The reason I give it -2 stars is they charge for chips & salsa and the prices and quality are around the same as their competitors.
(3)
Richard B.
Wow! Easily the best Mexican food in Lawrence. Now, that's not saying much, but this is wonderful. Service is helpful, friendly & fast. We'll be back!
(5)
Sarah G.
My quest for good Mexican food in Lawrence is finally over. This place has great drink specials ($2 White Russians made with Horchata?? $15 margaritas on the rocks pitchers..?? mmm....) and the food is incredible for Lawrence. I would say it's above average Mexican food overall, but this is a true gem in Kansas. I keep wanting to go back and try all the dishes, but I would be out of money if I tried this. Their monthly specials always have at least 2-3 things that intrigue me, and I still haven't gotten to touch most of the menu items yet. Over Cinco de Mayo, I got an asada torta and it was exactly what I was looking for... I didn't think that these existed here in Kansas.
(5)
Lindsay C.
I went to Tortas Jaliscos for the first time last weekend with my boyfriend. My boyfriend recently turned vegetarian so we reviewed the menu in advance and found several vegetarian options, namely the "house specialty" fish tacos. We were told to sit wherever we wanted when we arrived and our waiter was pretty good about refilling our waters. The restaurant was surprisingly pretty empty for a Friday night. We ordered the chips and salsa after hearing good things and were not disappointed. The chips were fresh-baked and perfectly seasoned. I loved the red salsa and my boyfriend thought the green salsa was wonderful also. We each ordered a top shelf margarita but were sorely disappointed by the "margaritas" we received. Neither of us could taste any tequila at all--just a ton of sugary mixer that was most definitely not worth the $6 we paid for each of them. I ordered the chicken chimichanga and my boyfriend got the "famous" fish tacos. My chimichanga was edible (could've had something to do with the fact that I was extremely hungry), but nothing special. I ended up picking out all of the chicken and just eating the beans/rice/cheese inside because the chicken had no flavor at all. My boyfriend said his fish tacos tasted like they were made with frozen fish sticks a la the Gorton's fisherman. He was extremely unimpressed with them and from the bite I tasted I wouldn't recommend them either. Overall, the chips and salsa were awesome but that's about it. We won't be back any time soon.
(2)
Jeff T.
Tortas Jalisco is the most authentic mexican restaurant that I've eaten at in Lawrence and one of my personal favorites. The green salsa is the best I've ever had and the Queso Blanco is as good as any I've ever eaten. Their chips and salsa aren't complimentary but they are hands down worth paying for when you receive hot chips and amazing salsa. The only dish that I haven't liked was their fajitas which wasn't bad but it wasn't a home-run either. After dozens of meals here, my go to meal is simply their five taco combo with beef and pork with fresh cilantro and lime. Their drinks are stiff and cheap too.
(5)
Erica T.
After moving to Lawrence from Texas a week ago, I went to Tortas Jalisco with lots of hope that I'd found good Mexican food in Lawrence. The chips were good - hot and definitely made to order, though I thought it was odd chips and salsa were an extra charge ($2.75 ish). I got the five taco plate with chorizo, asada, carnitas, chicken, and adobada. The chorizo was good, nothing special. The asada, carnitas, and adobado tacos were like corn tortillas filled with pencil erasers. The meat was cut into tiny, uniform squares, not seasoned at all, tasted a big "aged", and was cooked to death. My favorite meat was the shredded chicken, which is unusual for me in Mexican restaurants. My favorite part of the dinner was the green salsa. It was seasoned well and very spicy. It made the tacos bearable. I'll probably be back for the green sauce, but this time I will avoid any pork or beef dishes.
(2)
Tom V.
Best I can say for Tortas Jaliscos is 'meh'. I guess I'm so desensitized to Tex-Mex/Cal-Mex that I can't tell the "authentic" stuff, but I'm just not impressed with the fare. The guacamole is pretty good, chips and salsa are pretty average, though the hotter (bright green) sauce is better than I thought it would be.
(3)
Patrick S.
The chips and salsa was good, but everything else fell short. The enchiladas were really dry and cold, the rice was really old and had a few very very dry peas in them. There was nothing special about them what-so-ever. Waste of 9 bucks! The spicy shrimp were okay, but full of oil. I could get really good mexican food for less at mi ranchito in overland park. Overall, I won't be going back.
(2)
Rich Y.
Tortas Jalisco is hands down the best Mexican food you will find in Lawrence. I've had dinner or lunch here around five times and each time the food was excellent. The Baja fish tacos are great, the chilaquiles is AMAZING, and the tacos de nopales are a nice change for Kansas. This place really is the most authentic Mexican cuisine you will find in this area (despite what the Texans think). The service even reminded me of my visits to Mexico (not rushed). I don't hand out 5 stars that often, but when I do, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Jenna N.
Sometimes I just want to move to Kansas for a year. Sometimes I do (and regret it). Tortas Jalisco makes bad life decisions a little more bearable. Delicious tacos; thick, crispy, greasy tortilla chips; salsa that has flavor(s!); not so good sandwiches (but who's dumb enough to get a sandwich at a Mexican restaurant?) (me); the best horchata in town. This is a good place to eat if you're looking for an atmosphere that isn't overcrowded with drunk frat guys and their gals. A hard feat indeed in Lawrence.
(4)
Jessica R.
Like other reviewers, this is my favorite Mexican restaurant in town. Having said that, I don't recommend every item on the menu. You have to know what to order. Below are items I consider "special". The list is limited to my favorites, but there are other great items on the menu. Chilaquiles!!! - This might be one of the best dishes on any menu in town. It's so good that I can't NOT order it. It's magic. Get the fried egg on top and stir everything together for the perfect sauce. It's got a low slow burn to it so if you're a spice sissy, it's not for you. Chips and Salsa - served with a green and a red salsa. Green salsa is the only one for me. Spice-challenged individuals beware, it packs heat. The red salsa is what I'd consider mild. I tend to ignore it, but it's well loved by many friends. Queso Blanco - I ordered the yellow cheese dip one day (embarrassed to admit this), but lucky for me they were out. They offered the white cheese dip instead. It's the best I've ever had. It's thin, flavorful and they throw in a spoonful of pico de gallo. I'm done with lumpy yellow cheese dip forever! Fish Tacos - They have a few different versions of fish tacos on the menu these days. Plain ol' fish tacos are my favorite. I crave these tacos. I've even attempted to recreate them at home. 3 tacos served on small white corn tortillas. They contain bits of fried fish, onion, tomato and cilantro. The lime wedges should be squeezed generously over each taco. Ask for extra lime if needed. They're served with 2 tortillas per taco but I always eat them with one. The extras can be used in creative combinations with the beans, rice and left over queso blanco. Get wild. Chicken Fajita salad - This is a great "lighter" option. You won't feel as guilty about all the chips and salsa you consumed. If you ordered the Guacamole, add leftovers to the salad. It's awesome. Poblano cream sauce - I would pretty much eat anything covered in this sauce. Mexican Martini - I fell in love with these in Austin. They have the best, but Tortas makes a good one and they're very reasonably priced. TIPS: 1. They have a large outdoor dining area. 2. It's a great carry out option. They securely pack the food for transport. 3. They own another very good restaurant in the 700 block of Mass called, Mexquisito. Even better green and red salsa served there.
(5)
Nicole B.
We ordered take out from here a while ago, and it was one of the better Mexican restaurant experiences I've had in town. The food was fresh and as close to authentic as one could hope for in Kansas.
(4)
Jennifer H.
Best authentic tacos in Lawrence. The chorizo is my favorite. I am also a fan of the cheese enchiladas and the guacamole. I wonder if this place ever gets busy. The times I've been, there were few to no other patrons. My boyfriend loves the fish and chicken tacos. Skip the salsa. It's not free, and it's barely edible.
(4)
Robert B.
Deliciousa soft shell tacos filled with chicken or beef! Great guac. A favorite before KU basketball games - great food and no Mass Street crowds.
(4)
Laura K.
this is how I want Mexican food - like in California -
(4)
Ryan K.
After having moved here from Texas and reading the reviews on this place I was really hoping that I had finally found a decent (or at least passable) Mexican restaurant. Sadly, this did not turn out to be the case. We started with chips, salsa, and margaritas. The chips and salsa would turn out to be the highlight of our meal. The green sauce was VERY good and actually quite spicy (beware, not for those with an aversion to heat). We have been back solely to pick up the green sauce even though we live on the other side of town. The margaritas were tasty, even if they were somewhat weak in the tequila department. At this point we were pretty excited and thinking that we had found a place we would come to regularly. I ordered a chalupa, and my girlfriend ordered the taco plate. Oddly, most of the meats were cut into tiny cubes that were dry, tough, and tasteless. The chorizo was the best of the meats, but was nothing to go back for specifically. After reading some recent reviews, I am considering going back to try the fish tacos, but other than that I will not be back. There are better choices, even in Lawrence.
(2)
Christopher Y.
OK, to be honest, there isn't a single particularly good Mexican restaurant in Lawrence, which is rather disappointing considering the plethora of options in KC and Wichita. While the other Yelp! reviews might complain about mediocre enchiladas or rice, I'm just kinda sad that's what's people are eating at a restaurant that says "authentic Mexican food" on the sign at a place called TORTAS Jalisco. And the real shame is that the tortas are merely okay. The meat on the torta comes in strange tiny cubes, perhaps in an attempt to increase the surface area for marination. Unfortunately, the meat still end up dry and unsatisfying. This place doesn't really work out for foodies in search of "authentic Mexican food" in Lawrence.
(2)
Joe W.
They don't serve the expected free and fast chips and salsa, so you won't leave with a belly ache. Their beef fajitas are SPICY and not-so-good. And so is their green salsa. The red salsa tasted like canned tomato paste. Margaritas taste like a powder mix served and are served out of a dispenser.
(2)
Kort V.
I don't care that you have to pay for their chips and salsa...I would bathe in that green salsa if I could! Their tacos are delicious and authentic, too. Squeeze a little lime on the chicken tacos with some green salsa...heaven.
(5)
David R.
Service was slow. The waiter tried to excuse this by saying he got more tables sat, but when we looked around on our Thursday night visit, there was only 2-3 tables total with people. Waiter never brought my friend a water even after asking him to three times, and he acknowledged the request each time. "Bean dip" was just refried beans with a little mozzarella melted on top. Homemade chips had no seasoning and we very oily. The salsa that came with the chips was pure liquid, but had an okay flavor, the green having a decent spice. When I asked for a chunky salsa, or pico de gallo, or even just diced tomatoes, waiter said they had nothing else. Um, pretty sure there were tomatoes on my friend's fish tacos when they came out. My rice was so over cooked it was mushy and looked like cous-cous or quinoa. The house specialty mole enchiladas were bland. Waiter didn't split our checks (there were four of us) automatically, and it was an ordeal to do so manually up at the bar.
(1)
Mat M.
This is the most authentic Mexican restaurant in Lawrence. If he's there, the owner, Angel, will come out to say hi. Known for their tortas, like a Mexican lunch sandwich, Angel learned this recipe as a child from his grandmother and they are superb. Along with great drink specials, friendly service, and the ability to cook almost whatever Mexican dish you desire, this is a great establishment. Do yourself a favor, and order something with the chorizo in it. You won't be disappointed. Also, weather permitting, check out their sweet patio seating.
(4)
Eric K.
If you visit Lawrence, don't miss family-owned Tortas Jalisco! They have the best Mexican breakfast menu I have ever seen, and everything on it I have tried is awesome! And it gets better. The Abuela of the family does some of the cooking, including making a wonderful mole. And they have lots of regional Jalisco dishes you won't find anywhere else! Stop in, check out the specials on the board inside the door, and give yourself a treat! Do I sound like a fan? Oh yeah! I eat there with a big group once a month, and wouldn't miss it for the world!
(5)
Justin G.
Been here many times, never been disappointed!
(5)
Caleb L.
Love to order their fajitas, food is great, service is friendly, outside patio is nice for fresh air dining. The place is very authentic in every way except being outside Mexico!
(5)
Tanya G.
This is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Lawrence. Much better than the pseudo-mexican chains. The fish tacos diablo are fantastic.
(5)
Nicole E.
Based on the reviews here I chose to eat here for my first night in KS. I had a veggie burrito and because of the recommendation here I got the chips and salsa. When someone says "green salsa" I think tomatillos - not pureed peppers!! Wow, that salsa had a kick!! The burrito was okay, but nothing to write home about. The chips were fresh and the salsa yummy. I also had a friendly server. It's worth a stop in if you're in the area.
(3)
Amanda C.
Easy parking, quick & attentive service (we were only 1 of 2 tables there). Chips and salsa were $3, but we ordered them anyway. The green salsa is something different and fun to try. Didn't love our food - enchiladas & tacos. Enchiladas were bland and the homemade sauce wasn't tasty. Tacos were bland as well until we poured green sauce on them, but did have fresh veggies. We went to try a new Mexican restaurant, but won't be back to this.
(2)
Wade C.
Excellent food and friendly service. The menu extends well beyond standard Tex-Mex fare. And the fresh- and house-made chips are excellent.
(5)
Jeff W.
I'd have to say it's one of the 2 best Mexican places to eat in Lawrence. Tortas Jalisco and Cielito Lindo.
(4)
Michael J.
If you want genuine Mexican food, go to Jalisco's. You can get bland and average Mexican food all over town. I've been going to Jalisco's since it was in the gas station. What they serve is excellent, authentic, especially the daily and monthly specials. The staff is great, they have genuine Mexican soda, like Jarritos and Coke in tall bottles with cane sugar. Not a fancy place, but excellent entrees. The rice and beans are not gourmet, but they're not in Mexico, either. :)
(5)
Alicia R.
To me, many Mexican restaurants seem approximately the same with a few nuances. Tortas Jalisco seemed to be a bit more different from the norm. To start off, on a not-so-good note, no free chips. I was a bit sad at first, but it saves you from eating the bottomless basket of chips and then having room for two bites of your entree. They did bring out the salsas with our meals, however. The salsas are different from what you find at most places; I did not love nor dislike them. The menu featured a number of tacos, Mexican sandwiches (the namesake tortas?), and also some items I recognized from a recent trip to the southern Pacific coast of Mexico - nopales and chilaquiles. My companion ordered the fish tacos, and enjoyed them greatly, and I ordered a tamale. The tamale was shaped a little differently than what I'm used to seeing, and was a bit spicier, but tasty. They offered black beans instead of the typical refried beans on the side. I also ordered a horchata, which was quite tasty. I really don't know much about horchata, and how it "should" taste, but I recommend if you are looking for a cool, sweet cinnamony drink. I was kind of in the mood for a chile relleno, which does not appear on their menu. Service was fast and friendly, prices fairly inexpensive.
(4)
Alison M.
I wish I could give this place 3.5 stars. Tortas Jalisco serves unpretentious, authentic Mexican food, tasty and pretty cheap. The food is great, the corn tortillas are nice and fresh, the margaritas are strong (and cheap!), and they put lots of lime and cilantro on the tacos. Sometimes the service can be slow, and the decor is pretty unimpressive, but the food is completely worth it.
(3)
H C.
Have loved this spot since it was in a gas station. And the patio is great.
(4)
Chris S.
When we arrived on Sunday night at 6PM, there were in-fact only two tables occupied by customers compared to 95 to 100 percent occupancy every Sunday night at our favorite Mexican restaurant in Kansas City. We ordered the queso blanco (white cheese dip - $4.99) and guacamole (also $4.99), both coming with a basket of chips and salsa (green/spicy and red/mild), bringing the price of each appetizer down to $2.30 each after deducting the price of chips and salsa. The queso blanco was not very thick and barely attached itself to the chips when dipped, but very tasty nonetheless. The guacamole was also good, but too spicy for my wife's taste and with too many tomatoes for mine. Tomatoes are much cheaper than avocados, so many restaurants use them as a filler even though traditional guacamole is not normally prepared using tomato (see my recipe below). Their could have been less tomato and more guacamole for the price, but it was well seasoned and delicious from my vantage point. I ordered the house margarita (frozen with salt - $4.50), coming in a 12 ounce beer mug, a tasty concoction with a tangy lime base and enough tequila to stand out from other Lawrence Mexican restaurants that seem to serve more diluted drinks. Twelve ounces did not last long so I ordered the "signature" margarita with dinner, coming in a pint size glass on-the-rocks with premium tequila and a splash of Grand Marnie liquor (with salt - $6), well worth the additional $1.50 compared to the house variety and quite delicious. My wife is Italian and not a big fan of Mexican cuisine, so she usually orders a quesadilla and did not surprise me here. An Italian that hates tomatoes, does not cook (thankfully, I am quite a good cook) and does not drink wine, she makes a great designated driver. Trying to find Mexican food WITHOUT TOMATOES is like trying to find a beach in Greenland ... good luck! The quesadilla was stuffed with tasty cheese and came with a side of guacamole nearly the size of the $4.99 appetizer ($.99 on the menu). After all, the name "quesadilla" comes from the word "queso", meaning cheese, and my wife liked it even though it was bland because she does not like the sour cream that accompanied the dish or the accompanying guacamole (which was too spicy for her taste). The name "Tortas Jalisco" literally means "London cakes", but Mexican tortas are actually Mexican sandwiches. The torta Cuban, one of nine sandwich selections (right - $6.00 - see menu below), comes with a pork cutlet, ham. cheese, adobo sauce, lettuce and tomato, and is served with a small side of guacamole. The bread was fresh and lightly toasted and the torta was good, but not even close to some of the best Cuban sandwiches I have had (arguably at Cuban restaurants), lacking a bread with the flavor and consistency of a true Cuban sandwich. A side of French fries would be a welcome addition to help round-out the dish. I always order the staples, tacos and enchiladas, when trying a new Mexican restaurant because if they cannot get those dishes right, there is little chance the rest of the food will be worth trying. Store-bought chips and pre-fab tacos shells are always a dead give away for mediocre food and Tortas Jalisco came trough with flying colors! The taco shells are fried in-house, were very tasty, and the shells thick, the tacos withstanding several bites without falling apart and beating out any Mexican restaurant in Lawrence so far in my culinary journey (Fuzzy's Tacos being the only possible exception). The cheese and onion enchiladas were scrummy with just the right amount of filling covered with a homemade red sauce that was one of the best I have tasted in recent memory. Finally, the "green" salsa I had heard so much in Yelp reviews was excellent with just enough heat and the "red" was also very good, being more mild than the verde (green) version. In all, the interior is quite basic, yet clean, and the service was a bit slow as I had heard from several Yelp reviewers, but Carlos (our server) was very friendly and helpful, and attentive even though he appeared to be doing everything himself (we saw no other workers in the hour we were there). The chips, thick, crunchy, and also made in-house, were excellent with just the right amount of salt. I would recommend that the owners consider providing free chips and salsa like the vast majority of Mexican restaurants, silencing their primary critics, and raise the price of their relatively inexpensive dishes by thirty to forty cents each to make up the difference. As far as I can see, having to pay for chips is the only flaw Tortas Jalisco has, but as I said, ordering an appetizer solves that dilemma quite easily. CombatCritic gives Tortas Jalisco 7 out of 10 Bombs ...
(4)
Beau S.
Service is mheh. Food is the most unique Mexican food in Lawrence but falls short flavor wise.
(2)
Nancy B.
Great experience. Not the norm Tex Mex fare, much better than the "chain" restaurant food. Loved the warm homemade tortilla chips, green salsa and queso blanco. Three of us dining. Specials were one of a kind and excellent, including shrimp poblano and variety plate. Bathroom freshly cleaned and mopped. Will definitely go back.
(5)
Rhonda L.
By far the best Mexican restaurant in lawrence but still not up to my standard. Carnitas soft tacos were ok, pork did not taste freshly made but was still good, sauce excellent! Too bad flies bugged me throughout my dinner.
(3)
Alexandra O.
This review is for lunch at Tortas. This seems to be the one of most authentic Mexican restaurants in the area based on other reviews. I had the carne asada and carnitas taco plate and a small chicken enchilada with mole sauce. The carne asada and pork both seemed pretty dry to me. The chicken in the enchilada was ok and the mole sauce tasted pretty decent. The rice and beans tasted like those of any other American Mexican restaurant. Business was slow and the server was very attentive and friendly. I would probably eat elsewhere and save my Mexican appetite for another time and place.
(3)
Tiffany P.
Very bad experience here. We tried two burritos - the carne asada and the adovada. Both had oily, tough, fatty meat. The employee we spoke to claimed a Californian and Mexican heritage, but after living in the southwest for most of my life, I did not detect any of the traditional flavors he talked about. Nor was it good for what it was. The highlight was the tortillas and salsa verde. I will not be going back, and would not recommend trying this place. I'm hoping to find a good Mexican option here in Lawrence, but so far, don't have high hopes.
(1)
Kendra L.
I won't go here again. The chips and salsa aren't free and they just aren't good. We got a pork taco that tasted like old gross pork and it was disappointing.
(1)
Igor C.
They were a little busy Friday night. A 5 minute wait for a seat and a 10 minute wait for anyone to take our orders. As one of the other reviews said get the queso blanco appetizer and both salsas come with it to make it a very good deal. We had three different dishes and not a clunker among them. They use real cheese not yellow stuff from Costco/Sam's Club.
(4)
Jason Y.
I'm a gluten for punishment. This updated review gains a star for Tortas Jalisco. Each time I venture into this place (8 times and counting) I vow to never return. Here's the deal; I live literally 100 feet from Jalisco's. Between Jalisco's and Spangles, I feel like I'm cursed with bad restaurants within walking distance of my front door. At least I have Basil Leaf. Therefore, I continue to talk myself into eating at Tortas Jaliscos hoping I'm visiting on off days. Some well respected Yelp reviewers actually give this place good ratings. They all can't be wrong. Maybe it's just me. Well , I ordered the beef nachos this time and was quite surprised at how good they were.A huge platter of fresh chips drowned in beef and all the toppings affiliated with nachos. Sort of a pizza cheese type texture to the white cheese sprinkled about. Nice and hot. Very flavorful. Guacamole was excellent. Service was still spotty at best. Why do these guys (waiters) insist on not refilling the drinks. Is this another cost cutting measure at Tortas Jaliscos along with their ridiculous no free chips and salsa policy? Like clockwork, the staff congregates at the bar area and sometimes like to sit on the floor in front of the bar. Don't get me wrong, nobody likes pestering wait staffs. But for heavens sake, at least peak over and check to see if water or other drinks need refilling at least once during the entire visit. This stuff has happened at least 6 of the 8 times I've visited. The place stills has an empty feeling to it because there are not enough tables and too much open floor space in the middle of the restaurant. I could almost understand the set-up if they utilized the open space as a dance floor. Most of the tables surround the perimeter of the restaurant. At most they have 3-4 booths on the north wall. Everything else resembles wood picnic tables. Another Lawrence business with worlds of potential that just don't seem to get it. In the end, good luck getting your bill in a timely manner. Again, you may need to venture up to the gathering spot, the bar and seek out your bill. I kid you not, another person standing there arguing with the waiter in regards to being charged for chips and salsa. Yes, they were charged for a refill as well. So, those of you not getting charged for chips and salsa, you are very fortunate indeed.
(2)
Big Baby Jesus C.
They have really good salsas here, but the guacamole was a bummer. First off, it wasn't fresh, at least a day old. Secondly, it had an inordinate amount of tomatoes in it, and they had been mixed in since it was made, rather than to order, so they were mushy and gross. I got a house specialty, burrito de nopales, and it was pretty good, but it had a red sauce inside, and a green sauce outside, which didn't really go together and the rice was a few days old. So old that each grain of rice was pretty much unrecognizable, like you stuck a mini-firecracker in each grain.
(2)
Martha R.
First off it's a terrible location, but you can't really help that so I went anyway. I got the steak burrito, it looked good but the steak didn't look or taste like fresh steak. All the steak pieces were identical and they were small and rubbery. The cheese dip was the best part .
(1)
Jennifer R.
I was very disappointed with our experience tonight. We both ordered the house margarita, and found them to be watered down and obviously made with a poor quality, artificial mix. The next time we attempted to upgrade to the premium version, which according to them was the "best margarita in the house." Also a disappointment. Overly sweet with another variety of artificial mixer (this time closer to sweet and sour, I believe?), and barely any indication of tequila within. The $20 bucks were wasted on that attempt. The cheese dip was quite good, but $5 for the small tub we received made it a questionable purchase. I also enjoyed the thick chips (chips and salsa are NOT complimentary here), but you receive very little salsa with them. This may not have been an issue had the service not been quite as abysmal as we experienced....we saw our server maybe 2-3 times the entire visit. The thing that sealed the deal for my one star review were their baja fish tacos, which were supposedly a "house specialty." These things were NOT anything to brag about. The fish was CLEARLY made from generic, pre-packaged, pre-frozen fish sticks, and definitely tasted as such. Overall, having to endure a screaming child in the restaurant while waiting for our server to finally come around with the check simply ruined my mood. Paying $50 for mediocre food, service, and ambiance guaranteed that I will never return. The competition for Mexican restaurants in Lawrence is pretty high. I don't know why anyone would bother heading to this place...I sure don't plan on it.
(1)
Scott T.
Easily the most authentic tacos in Lawrence. My recommendation is the five soft shell tacos. Choose your meat of choice--I prefer steak or chicken and each one will be served in a small double-wrapped corn tortilla with fresh onions and cilantro and a pile of limes. Not fancy, but downright delicious. May not look like a lot to eat but trust me, you'll think it was plenty an hour later. Not your run of the mill Americanized Mexican, ie., put a bunch of crap on a plate and cover it up with thick gooey melted cheese until it's all runny. No thanks. That's not what the food looks like south of the border, and it shouldn't look like it here. Their specials are respectable and simple. Don't pass them up. The chips and sauce flow freely before the meal. Good selection of Mexican beers. The service can be funky since it's a small family run joint, but its never been a problem. Oh yes, and the margarita pitchers... they may not taste like they're loaded, but they are. I don't always eat Mexican food, but when I do, I choose Tortas Jalisco. It's the MOST INTERESTING Mexican in Larryville. Have fun.
(4)
Alex W.
My favorite Mexican food restaurant in Lawrence! Food is authentic, staff is friendly and prompt, and great prices!
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Stephanie C.
This place is a solid four stars, almost five. The only odd thing we found was the service, as it seems a little slow. To start, we ordered the queso blanco, which came with homemade tortilla chips. This was VERY tasty! The cheese was a little thinner than I've had, but I really liked it. The chips were very good too..thicker than you normally get. My husband and I were saying they'd be perfect for guacamole too. For our meals, my husband ordered the enchiladas and I got the three soft tacos dinner. Both of our meals were delicious and very authentic tex mex. If you aren't used to tex mex's love affair with chiles, I can see why the enchiladas wouldn't be up your alley. They come with a homemade enchilada sauce that is more bitter than the "usual Old El Paso" stuff but compliments the enchiladas perfectly! My tacos were fantastic too. We will definitely be going back..especially to enjoy their patio!
(4)Bill B.
This Mexican restaurant, located behind a gas station, is among the best in Lawrence. Its hand-made chips and green salsa are particularly well known in Lawrence. They are not free, but are well worth the price. They have three fish taco styles, one using Mahi Mahi and the other two using Tilapia. So far I've tried only the ones using Mahi Mahi, as recommended by the waiter. Unfortunately they do not have black beans or whole pinto beans. Another reviewer below mentioned black beans, but be aware that they only are available occasionally as a daily special. They usually have only refried beans, which are never a healthy choice. But they'll substitute guacamole salad instead of the refried beans, if you request, and the guacamole salad is excellent. They have only two wines: chardonnay and merlot, but they are both fine and at a very reasonable price. The choice of beers is better. The booths are made of wood and have no cushions, but the other chairs are padded and more comfortable. I'd raise my rating to five stars, if they were to make black beans or whole pinto beans available daily.
(4)Ryan A.
Seriously, this place is a gem. This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the world. Go, you won't regret it.
(5)Jamie J.
Fairly good Mexican food.
(4)Taylor S.
Great tortilla soup and service!
(5)John D.
We were visiting my mother-in-law in Lawrence and we took her here, thinking it would be a nice outing. We love mexican food and I spent many years in SF's Mission eating at the taquerias. Well, the here food was excellent. The chips were fried fresh and and the salsas were fresh and tasty - the red had an authentic bitterness and the green was spicy. My wife had the guacamole and she loved it but I found the raw onions in it a bit much. The chiliquiles (w.o. egg) were the highlight for me. The downside is that the decor was low budget with the big girlie poster and long parlor tables but for the price, it was OK. I would repeat.
(4)Michael T.
This place has excellent food, though it is pretty on par with the other Mexican restaurants in Lawrence. The reason I give it -2 stars is they charge for chips & salsa and the prices and quality are around the same as their competitors.
(3)Richard B.
Wow! Easily the best Mexican food in Lawrence. Now, that's not saying much, but this is wonderful. Service is helpful, friendly & fast. We'll be back!
(5)Sarah G.
My quest for good Mexican food in Lawrence is finally over. This place has great drink specials ($2 White Russians made with Horchata?? $15 margaritas on the rocks pitchers..?? mmm....) and the food is incredible for Lawrence. I would say it's above average Mexican food overall, but this is a true gem in Kansas. I keep wanting to go back and try all the dishes, but I would be out of money if I tried this. Their monthly specials always have at least 2-3 things that intrigue me, and I still haven't gotten to touch most of the menu items yet. Over Cinco de Mayo, I got an asada torta and it was exactly what I was looking for... I didn't think that these existed here in Kansas.
(5)Lindsay C.
I went to Tortas Jaliscos for the first time last weekend with my boyfriend. My boyfriend recently turned vegetarian so we reviewed the menu in advance and found several vegetarian options, namely the "house specialty" fish tacos. We were told to sit wherever we wanted when we arrived and our waiter was pretty good about refilling our waters. The restaurant was surprisingly pretty empty for a Friday night. We ordered the chips and salsa after hearing good things and were not disappointed. The chips were fresh-baked and perfectly seasoned. I loved the red salsa and my boyfriend thought the green salsa was wonderful also. We each ordered a top shelf margarita but were sorely disappointed by the "margaritas" we received. Neither of us could taste any tequila at all--just a ton of sugary mixer that was most definitely not worth the $6 we paid for each of them. I ordered the chicken chimichanga and my boyfriend got the "famous" fish tacos. My chimichanga was edible (could've had something to do with the fact that I was extremely hungry), but nothing special. I ended up picking out all of the chicken and just eating the beans/rice/cheese inside because the chicken had no flavor at all. My boyfriend said his fish tacos tasted like they were made with frozen fish sticks a la the Gorton's fisherman. He was extremely unimpressed with them and from the bite I tasted I wouldn't recommend them either. Overall, the chips and salsa were awesome but that's about it. We won't be back any time soon.
(2)Jeff T.
Tortas Jalisco is the most authentic mexican restaurant that I've eaten at in Lawrence and one of my personal favorites. The green salsa is the best I've ever had and the Queso Blanco is as good as any I've ever eaten. Their chips and salsa aren't complimentary but they are hands down worth paying for when you receive hot chips and amazing salsa. The only dish that I haven't liked was their fajitas which wasn't bad but it wasn't a home-run either. After dozens of meals here, my go to meal is simply their five taco combo with beef and pork with fresh cilantro and lime. Their drinks are stiff and cheap too.
(5)Erica T.
After moving to Lawrence from Texas a week ago, I went to Tortas Jalisco with lots of hope that I'd found good Mexican food in Lawrence. The chips were good - hot and definitely made to order, though I thought it was odd chips and salsa were an extra charge ($2.75 ish). I got the five taco plate with chorizo, asada, carnitas, chicken, and adobada. The chorizo was good, nothing special. The asada, carnitas, and adobado tacos were like corn tortillas filled with pencil erasers. The meat was cut into tiny, uniform squares, not seasoned at all, tasted a big "aged", and was cooked to death. My favorite meat was the shredded chicken, which is unusual for me in Mexican restaurants. My favorite part of the dinner was the green salsa. It was seasoned well and very spicy. It made the tacos bearable. I'll probably be back for the green sauce, but this time I will avoid any pork or beef dishes.
(2)Tom V.
Best I can say for Tortas Jaliscos is 'meh'. I guess I'm so desensitized to Tex-Mex/Cal-Mex that I can't tell the "authentic" stuff, but I'm just not impressed with the fare. The guacamole is pretty good, chips and salsa are pretty average, though the hotter (bright green) sauce is better than I thought it would be.
(3)Patrick S.
The chips and salsa was good, but everything else fell short. The enchiladas were really dry and cold, the rice was really old and had a few very very dry peas in them. There was nothing special about them what-so-ever. Waste of 9 bucks! The spicy shrimp were okay, but full of oil. I could get really good mexican food for less at mi ranchito in overland park. Overall, I won't be going back.
(2)Rich Y.
Tortas Jalisco is hands down the best Mexican food you will find in Lawrence. I've had dinner or lunch here around five times and each time the food was excellent. The Baja fish tacos are great, the chilaquiles is AMAZING, and the tacos de nopales are a nice change for Kansas. This place really is the most authentic Mexican cuisine you will find in this area (despite what the Texans think). The service even reminded me of my visits to Mexico (not rushed). I don't hand out 5 stars that often, but when I do, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Jenna N.
Sometimes I just want to move to Kansas for a year. Sometimes I do (and regret it). Tortas Jalisco makes bad life decisions a little more bearable. Delicious tacos; thick, crispy, greasy tortilla chips; salsa that has flavor(s!); not so good sandwiches (but who's dumb enough to get a sandwich at a Mexican restaurant?) (me); the best horchata in town. This is a good place to eat if you're looking for an atmosphere that isn't overcrowded with drunk frat guys and their gals. A hard feat indeed in Lawrence.
(4)Jessica R.
Like other reviewers, this is my favorite Mexican restaurant in town. Having said that, I don't recommend every item on the menu. You have to know what to order. Below are items I consider "special". The list is limited to my favorites, but there are other great items on the menu. Chilaquiles!!! - This might be one of the best dishes on any menu in town. It's so good that I can't NOT order it. It's magic. Get the fried egg on top and stir everything together for the perfect sauce. It's got a low slow burn to it so if you're a spice sissy, it's not for you. Chips and Salsa - served with a green and a red salsa. Green salsa is the only one for me. Spice-challenged individuals beware, it packs heat. The red salsa is what I'd consider mild. I tend to ignore it, but it's well loved by many friends. Queso Blanco - I ordered the yellow cheese dip one day (embarrassed to admit this), but lucky for me they were out. They offered the white cheese dip instead. It's the best I've ever had. It's thin, flavorful and they throw in a spoonful of pico de gallo. I'm done with lumpy yellow cheese dip forever! Fish Tacos - They have a few different versions of fish tacos on the menu these days. Plain ol' fish tacos are my favorite. I crave these tacos. I've even attempted to recreate them at home. 3 tacos served on small white corn tortillas. They contain bits of fried fish, onion, tomato and cilantro. The lime wedges should be squeezed generously over each taco. Ask for extra lime if needed. They're served with 2 tortillas per taco but I always eat them with one. The extras can be used in creative combinations with the beans, rice and left over queso blanco. Get wild. Chicken Fajita salad - This is a great "lighter" option. You won't feel as guilty about all the chips and salsa you consumed. If you ordered the Guacamole, add leftovers to the salad. It's awesome. Poblano cream sauce - I would pretty much eat anything covered in this sauce. Mexican Martini - I fell in love with these in Austin. They have the best, but Tortas makes a good one and they're very reasonably priced. TIPS: 1. They have a large outdoor dining area. 2. It's a great carry out option. They securely pack the food for transport. 3. They own another very good restaurant in the 700 block of Mass called, Mexquisito. Even better green and red salsa served there.
(5)Nicole B.
We ordered take out from here a while ago, and it was one of the better Mexican restaurant experiences I've had in town. The food was fresh and as close to authentic as one could hope for in Kansas.
(4)Jennifer H.
Best authentic tacos in Lawrence. The chorizo is my favorite. I am also a fan of the cheese enchiladas and the guacamole. I wonder if this place ever gets busy. The times I've been, there were few to no other patrons. My boyfriend loves the fish and chicken tacos. Skip the salsa. It's not free, and it's barely edible.
(4)Robert B.
Deliciousa soft shell tacos filled with chicken or beef! Great guac. A favorite before KU basketball games - great food and no Mass Street crowds.
(4)Laura K.
this is how I want Mexican food - like in California -
(4)Ryan K.
After having moved here from Texas and reading the reviews on this place I was really hoping that I had finally found a decent (or at least passable) Mexican restaurant. Sadly, this did not turn out to be the case. We started with chips, salsa, and margaritas. The chips and salsa would turn out to be the highlight of our meal. The green sauce was VERY good and actually quite spicy (beware, not for those with an aversion to heat). We have been back solely to pick up the green sauce even though we live on the other side of town. The margaritas were tasty, even if they were somewhat weak in the tequila department. At this point we were pretty excited and thinking that we had found a place we would come to regularly. I ordered a chalupa, and my girlfriend ordered the taco plate. Oddly, most of the meats were cut into tiny cubes that were dry, tough, and tasteless. The chorizo was the best of the meats, but was nothing to go back for specifically. After reading some recent reviews, I am considering going back to try the fish tacos, but other than that I will not be back. There are better choices, even in Lawrence.
(2)Christopher Y.
OK, to be honest, there isn't a single particularly good Mexican restaurant in Lawrence, which is rather disappointing considering the plethora of options in KC and Wichita. While the other Yelp! reviews might complain about mediocre enchiladas or rice, I'm just kinda sad that's what's people are eating at a restaurant that says "authentic Mexican food" on the sign at a place called TORTAS Jalisco. And the real shame is that the tortas are merely okay. The meat on the torta comes in strange tiny cubes, perhaps in an attempt to increase the surface area for marination. Unfortunately, the meat still end up dry and unsatisfying. This place doesn't really work out for foodies in search of "authentic Mexican food" in Lawrence.
(2)Joe W.
They don't serve the expected free and fast chips and salsa, so you won't leave with a belly ache. Their beef fajitas are SPICY and not-so-good. And so is their green salsa. The red salsa tasted like canned tomato paste. Margaritas taste like a powder mix served and are served out of a dispenser.
(2)Kort V.
I don't care that you have to pay for their chips and salsa...I would bathe in that green salsa if I could! Their tacos are delicious and authentic, too. Squeeze a little lime on the chicken tacos with some green salsa...heaven.
(5)David R.
Service was slow. The waiter tried to excuse this by saying he got more tables sat, but when we looked around on our Thursday night visit, there was only 2-3 tables total with people. Waiter never brought my friend a water even after asking him to three times, and he acknowledged the request each time. "Bean dip" was just refried beans with a little mozzarella melted on top. Homemade chips had no seasoning and we very oily. The salsa that came with the chips was pure liquid, but had an okay flavor, the green having a decent spice. When I asked for a chunky salsa, or pico de gallo, or even just diced tomatoes, waiter said they had nothing else. Um, pretty sure there were tomatoes on my friend's fish tacos when they came out. My rice was so over cooked it was mushy and looked like cous-cous or quinoa. The house specialty mole enchiladas were bland. Waiter didn't split our checks (there were four of us) automatically, and it was an ordeal to do so manually up at the bar.
(1)Mat M.
This is the most authentic Mexican restaurant in Lawrence. If he's there, the owner, Angel, will come out to say hi. Known for their tortas, like a Mexican lunch sandwich, Angel learned this recipe as a child from his grandmother and they are superb. Along with great drink specials, friendly service, and the ability to cook almost whatever Mexican dish you desire, this is a great establishment. Do yourself a favor, and order something with the chorizo in it. You won't be disappointed. Also, weather permitting, check out their sweet patio seating.
(4)Eric K.
If you visit Lawrence, don't miss family-owned Tortas Jalisco! They have the best Mexican breakfast menu I have ever seen, and everything on it I have tried is awesome! And it gets better. The Abuela of the family does some of the cooking, including making a wonderful mole. And they have lots of regional Jalisco dishes you won't find anywhere else! Stop in, check out the specials on the board inside the door, and give yourself a treat! Do I sound like a fan? Oh yeah! I eat there with a big group once a month, and wouldn't miss it for the world!
(5)Justin G.
Been here many times, never been disappointed!
(5)Caleb L.
Love to order their fajitas, food is great, service is friendly, outside patio is nice for fresh air dining. The place is very authentic in every way except being outside Mexico!
(5)Tanya G.
This is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Lawrence. Much better than the pseudo-mexican chains. The fish tacos diablo are fantastic.
(5)Nicole E.
Based on the reviews here I chose to eat here for my first night in KS. I had a veggie burrito and because of the recommendation here I got the chips and salsa. When someone says "green salsa" I think tomatillos - not pureed peppers!! Wow, that salsa had a kick!! The burrito was okay, but nothing to write home about. The chips were fresh and the salsa yummy. I also had a friendly server. It's worth a stop in if you're in the area.
(3)Amanda C.
Easy parking, quick & attentive service (we were only 1 of 2 tables there). Chips and salsa were $3, but we ordered them anyway. The green salsa is something different and fun to try. Didn't love our food - enchiladas & tacos. Enchiladas were bland and the homemade sauce wasn't tasty. Tacos were bland as well until we poured green sauce on them, but did have fresh veggies. We went to try a new Mexican restaurant, but won't be back to this.
(2)Wade C.
Excellent food and friendly service. The menu extends well beyond standard Tex-Mex fare. And the fresh- and house-made chips are excellent.
(5)Jeff W.
I'd have to say it's one of the 2 best Mexican places to eat in Lawrence. Tortas Jalisco and Cielito Lindo.
(4)Michael J.
If you want genuine Mexican food, go to Jalisco's. You can get bland and average Mexican food all over town. I've been going to Jalisco's since it was in the gas station. What they serve is excellent, authentic, especially the daily and monthly specials. The staff is great, they have genuine Mexican soda, like Jarritos and Coke in tall bottles with cane sugar. Not a fancy place, but excellent entrees. The rice and beans are not gourmet, but they're not in Mexico, either. :)
(5)Alicia R.
To me, many Mexican restaurants seem approximately the same with a few nuances. Tortas Jalisco seemed to be a bit more different from the norm. To start off, on a not-so-good note, no free chips. I was a bit sad at first, but it saves you from eating the bottomless basket of chips and then having room for two bites of your entree. They did bring out the salsas with our meals, however. The salsas are different from what you find at most places; I did not love nor dislike them. The menu featured a number of tacos, Mexican sandwiches (the namesake tortas?), and also some items I recognized from a recent trip to the southern Pacific coast of Mexico - nopales and chilaquiles. My companion ordered the fish tacos, and enjoyed them greatly, and I ordered a tamale. The tamale was shaped a little differently than what I'm used to seeing, and was a bit spicier, but tasty. They offered black beans instead of the typical refried beans on the side. I also ordered a horchata, which was quite tasty. I really don't know much about horchata, and how it "should" taste, but I recommend if you are looking for a cool, sweet cinnamony drink. I was kind of in the mood for a chile relleno, which does not appear on their menu. Service was fast and friendly, prices fairly inexpensive.
(4)Alison M.
I wish I could give this place 3.5 stars. Tortas Jalisco serves unpretentious, authentic Mexican food, tasty and pretty cheap. The food is great, the corn tortillas are nice and fresh, the margaritas are strong (and cheap!), and they put lots of lime and cilantro on the tacos. Sometimes the service can be slow, and the decor is pretty unimpressive, but the food is completely worth it.
(3)H C.
Have loved this spot since it was in a gas station. And the patio is great.
(4)Chris S.
When we arrived on Sunday night at 6PM, there were in-fact only two tables occupied by customers compared to 95 to 100 percent occupancy every Sunday night at our favorite Mexican restaurant in Kansas City. We ordered the queso blanco (white cheese dip - $4.99) and guacamole (also $4.99), both coming with a basket of chips and salsa (green/spicy and red/mild), bringing the price of each appetizer down to $2.30 each after deducting the price of chips and salsa. The queso blanco was not very thick and barely attached itself to the chips when dipped, but very tasty nonetheless. The guacamole was also good, but too spicy for my wife's taste and with too many tomatoes for mine. Tomatoes are much cheaper than avocados, so many restaurants use them as a filler even though traditional guacamole is not normally prepared using tomato (see my recipe below). Their could have been less tomato and more guacamole for the price, but it was well seasoned and delicious from my vantage point. I ordered the house margarita (frozen with salt - $4.50), coming in a 12 ounce beer mug, a tasty concoction with a tangy lime base and enough tequila to stand out from other Lawrence Mexican restaurants that seem to serve more diluted drinks. Twelve ounces did not last long so I ordered the "signature" margarita with dinner, coming in a pint size glass on-the-rocks with premium tequila and a splash of Grand Marnie liquor (with salt - $6), well worth the additional $1.50 compared to the house variety and quite delicious. My wife is Italian and not a big fan of Mexican cuisine, so she usually orders a quesadilla and did not surprise me here. An Italian that hates tomatoes, does not cook (thankfully, I am quite a good cook) and does not drink wine, she makes a great designated driver. Trying to find Mexican food WITHOUT TOMATOES is like trying to find a beach in Greenland ... good luck! The quesadilla was stuffed with tasty cheese and came with a side of guacamole nearly the size of the $4.99 appetizer ($.99 on the menu). After all, the name "quesadilla" comes from the word "queso", meaning cheese, and my wife liked it even though it was bland because she does not like the sour cream that accompanied the dish or the accompanying guacamole (which was too spicy for her taste). The name "Tortas Jalisco" literally means "London cakes", but Mexican tortas are actually Mexican sandwiches. The torta Cuban, one of nine sandwich selections (right - $6.00 - see menu below), comes with a pork cutlet, ham. cheese, adobo sauce, lettuce and tomato, and is served with a small side of guacamole. The bread was fresh and lightly toasted and the torta was good, but not even close to some of the best Cuban sandwiches I have had (arguably at Cuban restaurants), lacking a bread with the flavor and consistency of a true Cuban sandwich. A side of French fries would be a welcome addition to help round-out the dish. I always order the staples, tacos and enchiladas, when trying a new Mexican restaurant because if they cannot get those dishes right, there is little chance the rest of the food will be worth trying. Store-bought chips and pre-fab tacos shells are always a dead give away for mediocre food and Tortas Jalisco came trough with flying colors! The taco shells are fried in-house, were very tasty, and the shells thick, the tacos withstanding several bites without falling apart and beating out any Mexican restaurant in Lawrence so far in my culinary journey (Fuzzy's Tacos being the only possible exception). The cheese and onion enchiladas were scrummy with just the right amount of filling covered with a homemade red sauce that was one of the best I have tasted in recent memory. Finally, the "green" salsa I had heard so much in Yelp reviews was excellent with just enough heat and the "red" was also very good, being more mild than the verde (green) version. In all, the interior is quite basic, yet clean, and the service was a bit slow as I had heard from several Yelp reviewers, but Carlos (our server) was very friendly and helpful, and attentive even though he appeared to be doing everything himself (we saw no other workers in the hour we were there). The chips, thick, crunchy, and also made in-house, were excellent with just the right amount of salt. I would recommend that the owners consider providing free chips and salsa like the vast majority of Mexican restaurants, silencing their primary critics, and raise the price of their relatively inexpensive dishes by thirty to forty cents each to make up the difference. As far as I can see, having to pay for chips is the only flaw Tortas Jalisco has, but as I said, ordering an appetizer solves that dilemma quite easily. CombatCritic gives Tortas Jalisco 7 out of 10 Bombs ...
(4)Beau S.
Service is mheh. Food is the most unique Mexican food in Lawrence but falls short flavor wise.
(2)Nancy B.
Great experience. Not the norm Tex Mex fare, much better than the "chain" restaurant food. Loved the warm homemade tortilla chips, green salsa and queso blanco. Three of us dining. Specials were one of a kind and excellent, including shrimp poblano and variety plate. Bathroom freshly cleaned and mopped. Will definitely go back.
(5)Rhonda L.
By far the best Mexican restaurant in lawrence but still not up to my standard. Carnitas soft tacos were ok, pork did not taste freshly made but was still good, sauce excellent! Too bad flies bugged me throughout my dinner.
(3)Alexandra O.
This review is for lunch at Tortas. This seems to be the one of most authentic Mexican restaurants in the area based on other reviews. I had the carne asada and carnitas taco plate and a small chicken enchilada with mole sauce. The carne asada and pork both seemed pretty dry to me. The chicken in the enchilada was ok and the mole sauce tasted pretty decent. The rice and beans tasted like those of any other American Mexican restaurant. Business was slow and the server was very attentive and friendly. I would probably eat elsewhere and save my Mexican appetite for another time and place.
(3)Tiffany P.
Very bad experience here. We tried two burritos - the carne asada and the adovada. Both had oily, tough, fatty meat. The employee we spoke to claimed a Californian and Mexican heritage, but after living in the southwest for most of my life, I did not detect any of the traditional flavors he talked about. Nor was it good for what it was. The highlight was the tortillas and salsa verde. I will not be going back, and would not recommend trying this place. I'm hoping to find a good Mexican option here in Lawrence, but so far, don't have high hopes.
(1)Kendra L.
I won't go here again. The chips and salsa aren't free and they just aren't good. We got a pork taco that tasted like old gross pork and it was disappointing.
(1)Igor C.
They were a little busy Friday night. A 5 minute wait for a seat and a 10 minute wait for anyone to take our orders. As one of the other reviews said get the queso blanco appetizer and both salsas come with it to make it a very good deal. We had three different dishes and not a clunker among them. They use real cheese not yellow stuff from Costco/Sam's Club.
(4)Jason Y.
I'm a gluten for punishment. This updated review gains a star for Tortas Jalisco. Each time I venture into this place (8 times and counting) I vow to never return. Here's the deal; I live literally 100 feet from Jalisco's. Between Jalisco's and Spangles, I feel like I'm cursed with bad restaurants within walking distance of my front door. At least I have Basil Leaf. Therefore, I continue to talk myself into eating at Tortas Jaliscos hoping I'm visiting on off days. Some well respected Yelp reviewers actually give this place good ratings. They all can't be wrong. Maybe it's just me. Well , I ordered the beef nachos this time and was quite surprised at how good they were.A huge platter of fresh chips drowned in beef and all the toppings affiliated with nachos. Sort of a pizza cheese type texture to the white cheese sprinkled about. Nice and hot. Very flavorful. Guacamole was excellent. Service was still spotty at best. Why do these guys (waiters) insist on not refilling the drinks. Is this another cost cutting measure at Tortas Jaliscos along with their ridiculous no free chips and salsa policy? Like clockwork, the staff congregates at the bar area and sometimes like to sit on the floor in front of the bar. Don't get me wrong, nobody likes pestering wait staffs. But for heavens sake, at least peak over and check to see if water or other drinks need refilling at least once during the entire visit. This stuff has happened at least 6 of the 8 times I've visited. The place stills has an empty feeling to it because there are not enough tables and too much open floor space in the middle of the restaurant. I could almost understand the set-up if they utilized the open space as a dance floor. Most of the tables surround the perimeter of the restaurant. At most they have 3-4 booths on the north wall. Everything else resembles wood picnic tables. Another Lawrence business with worlds of potential that just don't seem to get it. In the end, good luck getting your bill in a timely manner. Again, you may need to venture up to the gathering spot, the bar and seek out your bill. I kid you not, another person standing there arguing with the waiter in regards to being charged for chips and salsa. Yes, they were charged for a refill as well. So, those of you not getting charged for chips and salsa, you are very fortunate indeed.
(2)Big Baby Jesus C.
They have really good salsas here, but the guacamole was a bummer. First off, it wasn't fresh, at least a day old. Secondly, it had an inordinate amount of tomatoes in it, and they had been mixed in since it was made, rather than to order, so they were mushy and gross. I got a house specialty, burrito de nopales, and it was pretty good, but it had a red sauce inside, and a green sauce outside, which didn't really go together and the rice was a few days old. So old that each grain of rice was pretty much unrecognizable, like you stuck a mini-firecracker in each grain.
(2)Martha R.
First off it's a terrible location, but you can't really help that so I went anyway. I got the steak burrito, it looked good but the steak didn't look or taste like fresh steak. All the steak pieces were identical and they were small and rubbery. The cheese dip was the best part .
(1)Jennifer R.
I was very disappointed with our experience tonight. We both ordered the house margarita, and found them to be watered down and obviously made with a poor quality, artificial mix. The next time we attempted to upgrade to the premium version, which according to them was the "best margarita in the house." Also a disappointment. Overly sweet with another variety of artificial mixer (this time closer to sweet and sour, I believe?), and barely any indication of tequila within. The $20 bucks were wasted on that attempt. The cheese dip was quite good, but $5 for the small tub we received made it a questionable purchase. I also enjoyed the thick chips (chips and salsa are NOT complimentary here), but you receive very little salsa with them. This may not have been an issue had the service not been quite as abysmal as we experienced....we saw our server maybe 2-3 times the entire visit. The thing that sealed the deal for my one star review were their baja fish tacos, which were supposedly a "house specialty." These things were NOT anything to brag about. The fish was CLEARLY made from generic, pre-packaged, pre-frozen fish sticks, and definitely tasted as such. Overall, having to endure a screaming child in the restaurant while waiting for our server to finally come around with the check simply ruined my mood. Paying $50 for mediocre food, service, and ambiance guaranteed that I will never return. The competition for Mexican restaurants in Lawrence is pretty high. I don't know why anyone would bother heading to this place...I sure don't plan on it.
(1)Scott T.
Easily the most authentic tacos in Lawrence. My recommendation is the five soft shell tacos. Choose your meat of choice--I prefer steak or chicken and each one will be served in a small double-wrapped corn tortilla with fresh onions and cilantro and a pile of limes. Not fancy, but downright delicious. May not look like a lot to eat but trust me, you'll think it was plenty an hour later. Not your run of the mill Americanized Mexican, ie., put a bunch of crap on a plate and cover it up with thick gooey melted cheese until it's all runny. No thanks. That's not what the food looks like south of the border, and it shouldn't look like it here. Their specials are respectable and simple. Don't pass them up. The chips and sauce flow freely before the meal. Good selection of Mexican beers. The service can be funky since it's a small family run joint, but its never been a problem. Oh yes, and the margarita pitchers... they may not taste like they're loaded, but they are. I don't always eat Mexican food, but when I do, I choose Tortas Jalisco. It's the MOST INTERESTING Mexican in Larryville. Have fun.
(4)Alex W.
My favorite Mexican food restaurant in Lawrence! Food is authentic, staff is friendly and prompt, and great prices!
(5)